CVE-2023-4299
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2023-4299 is an authentication bypass vulnerability in Digi RealPort Protocol that allows attackers to replay authentication packets to gain unauthorized access to connected industrial equipment. This affects organizations using Digi RealPort for serial-to-Ethernet connectivity in industrial control systems (ICS) and operational technology (OT) environments.
💻 Affected Systems
- Digi RealPort
📦 What is this software?
Connectport Lts 8\/16\/32 Firmware by Digi
View all CVEs affecting Connectport Lts 8\/16\/32 Firmware →
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers gain full control of connected industrial equipment, potentially causing physical damage, production shutdowns, or safety incidents in critical infrastructure.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to serial-connected devices allowing data theft, configuration changes, or disruption of industrial processes.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation and monitoring, though authentication bypass remains possible.
🎯 Exploit Status
Replay attacks are relatively simple to execute once network access is obtained.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check Digi security advisory for specific patched versions
Vendor Advisory: https://www.digi.com/resources/security/alerts/realport-cves
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Review Digi security advisory ICSA-23-243-04 2. Download and apply appropriate firmware/software updates 3. Restart affected devices and services 4. Verify patch application
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allIsolate RealPort services from untrusted networks and implement strict firewall rules
Access Control Lists
allImplement IP-based access restrictions to limit which systems can connect to RealPort services
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation and zero-trust principles for RealPort traffic
- Deploy network monitoring and intrusion detection specifically for RealPort protocol anomalies
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check RealPort version against Digi's patched versions list in their security advisoryCheck Version:
Check device firmware/software version through Digi device management interfaceVerify Fix Applied:
Verify updated version is running and test authentication mechanisms📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful access
- Unusual source IP addresses accessing RealPort services
Network Indicators:
- Repeated authentication packets from same source
- RealPort traffic from unexpected network segments
SIEM Query:
source_port:771 AND (event_type:"authentication" OR protocol:"RealPort")🔗 References
- https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-23-243-04
- https://www.digi.com/getattachment/resources/security/alerts/realport-cves/Dragos-Disclosure-Statement.pdf
- https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-23-243-04
- https://www.digi.com/getattachment/resources/security/alerts/realport-cves/Dragos-Disclosure-Statement.pdf
